Ceramicist Nonna Hall has had a very busy summer in her new space in Eldred called HALL SPACE. In addition to making her fabulously beautiful line of pottery, she has been hosting an interesting series on the culture and ceremonies surrounding international teas and foods. I and several of my friends attended the Uzbekistan Tea Tasting and pottery class event in May and it was a lovely time. Charles Wilkins was the presenter and gave an interesting presentation on the history of tea ( did you know that the tea thrown into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party at the start of the Revolutionary War was not English tea but Lapsang Souchong tea shipped from China?) Next month I will be attending another in the Tea History series. “A Turkish Themed Ceremony and tea  tasting on September 13th will close out the international tea series. 

In addition to her pottery studio, and shop and classroom space, Nonna has a continuing series of gallery art shows, pop-up designer collections and educational seminars so it is well worth getting on her mailing list so you can attend these interesting community events.

The next artist exhibit titled “From Where I Stand”, will feature the work of Highland resident Betty Blau. Betty is a well-known painter, visual artist, photographer, collage artist and a professional stylist for magazines and television media. Her art is compelling and she often uses “found objects that shows us what we take from the past and give to the future,” and her collages are amazing and were featured in a show at Nonna Hall’s former studio in Barryville. When asked about her current exhibit Betty said, “From Where I Stand-I landed on this title because it expressed the feelings I was having regarding my perspective now. Understanding that things change and grow, always moving and evolving. The constant in my work are the layers and removal of layers. The build up of old ephemera that constantly surprises me with its remaining colors and textures.”   From Where I Stand exhibit will have its Opening Reception at HALL SPACE on Saturday, August 16 from 4-7pm  and the show runs through Sunday, September 7.  The exhibit is free and HALL SPACE is located at 550 State Route 55 in Eldred and is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5pm or call 732-647-6340 for an appointment. For additional information about signing up for pottery classes, shopping in the Gift Shop or the calendar for upcoming events go to hallspaceny.com. 

Many people have asked me about the former Irene’s Diner. After Irene Jakubowski (“the Baroness of Breakfast”) retired a few months ago, the building was sold to a local couple who own several Japanese restaurants – they will soon open another location in Eldred. This will be a wonderful addition to our Town. I will update you once I have details on the opening or menu.